Last Week in AVP #89: Apple Vision Pro Upgraded with the Powerful M5 chip and Comfortable Dual Knit Band, Two New Accessories for Vision Pro Now Available, Updated Developer Strap and more!
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Apple Vision Pro upgraded with the powerful M5 chip and comfortable Dual Knit Band (Apple)
CUPERTINO, CALIFORNIA Apple today introduced Apple Vision Pro with the powerful M5 chip that delivers a leap forward in performance, improved display rendering, faster AI-powered workflows, and extended battery life. The upgraded Vision Pro also comes with the soft, cushioned Dual Knit Band to help users achieve an even more comfortable fit, and visionOS 26, which unlocks innovative spatial experiences, including widgets, new Personas, an interactive Jupiter Environment, and new Apple Intelligence features with support for additional languages.1 There are over 1 million apps and thousands of games on the App Store, hundreds of 3D movies on the Apple TV app, and all-new series and films in Apple Immersive with a selection of live NBA games coming soon. Vision Pro with M5 and the Dual Knit Band is now available to pre-order on apple.com. Customers can book a demo at Apple Store locations today and it will be available nationwide beginning Wednesday, October 22.
The New Dual Knit Band Offers a More Comfortable Fit
The Dual Knit Band delivers an even more comfortable fit for users. It features upper and lower straps that are 3D-knitted as a single piece to create a unique dual-rib structure that provides cushioning, breathability, and stretch. The lower strap features flexible fabric ribs embedded with tungsten inserts that provide a counterweight for additional comfort, balance, and stability. And the intuitive dual-function Fit Dial allows users to make fine-tuned adjustments to achieve their ideal fit. The new Dual Knit Band comes in small, medium, and large sizes; is available to purchase separately; and is compatible with the previous-generation Apple Vision Pro. Customers can easily find the size that is right for them using the Apple Store app for iPhone.
Apple mentioned the expansion in the press release for the new Vision Pro with the M5 chip. The Vision Pro app was first introduced earlier this year with iOS 18.4, giving iPhone users the ability to browse and download apps, games, and media experiences for the Vision Pro without needing to wear the headset.
The app features a Discover page that highlights curated recommendations for “new and noteworthy experiences available on Apple Vision Pro,” including categories such as Immersive Video, 3D movies, and other spatial apps. The My Vision Pro page within the app provides device-specific information and tools. The app also includes guest management features.
Two New Accessories for Vision Pro Now Available, With More Coming (source)
Apple today started selling new accessories for its Vision Pro headset, including the Logitech Museand Dual Knit Band, with more on the way.
The Logitech Muse is a spatially-tracked stylus developed for use with the Vision Pro. It was announced at WWDC earlier this year. The Muse is intended to support the next generation of spatial computing workflows enabled by visionOS 26. The device incorporates six degrees of freedom (6DoF) tracking, pressure-sensitive tips, and real-time haptic feedback to allow users to interact with digital environments through precise input and tactile realism.
Logitech Muse is a spatial accessory designed to enhance the way you work, create, and collaborate with Apple Vision Pro. Muse combines a familiar form factor with advanced technology, offering a precise, immersive workflow in both productivity and creativity apps.
Seamless motion tracking in six degrees of freedom with intuitive controls allows you to draw, annotate, and interact naturally in space. Real-time haptic responses add textural realism to create a truly engaging experience. A pressure-sensitive tip and force-sensing button allow you to vary line thickness whether drawing on a surface or in the air.
New video for the Logitech Muse for Apple Vision Pro (source)
Unreal Engine game launching on Apple Vision Pro via Apple Arcade (source)
We just announced the release date for Glassbreakers, launching November 13 and it’s the first game built in Unreal Engine to launch on Apple Vision Pro with full cross-platform play (Meta Quest 3|3S, SteamVR, and AVP).
Apple Arcade members will find the game in the Apple Arcade library on launch day.
Apple Vision Pro (M5) to get updated Developer Strap, code and icon reveal (source)
The new Apple Vision Pro (M5) isn’t fully compatible with the original Developer Strap, which features a USB-C port to simplify development. However, Apple may be preparing an updated version, based on some code and an asset included in today’s betas. Here are the details.
Update of Vision Pro app - Polio’s Last Mile (source)
Excited to share that @Rem5Studios is soon releasing an update of their Vision Pro experience Polio’s Last Mile. I had the opportunity to work on it with @tom_krikorian and we hope it will be a meaningful XR experience sharing the story of humanity’s fight to end polio.
Experience REK0 all over again, except this time: you’re in the ring! Watch Justin Kan and DeREK vs. Hyder Amil and Rambot head-to-head in Robot Kombat at the best robot fight in history. Get the VOD starting October 24th only on Vantage for AppleVisionPro.
Gaussian Splat Coloring Book for Vision Pro (source)
I’ve made Gaussian Splat Coloring Book for Vision Pro. Still rough on the edges, but working in splats on AVP is super rewarding, and now I’m thinking about full blown Gaussian Splats editor instead of just a coloring book :D
Apple Vision Pro M5 Review: Finally Ready for Work (source)
The M5 chip transforms Mac Virtual Display performance
The biggest win in the M5 Vision Pro is not flashy, it is practical. Mac Virtual Display now supports refresh rates up to 120Hz, up from the previous 100Hz limit (PC Mag). Numbers aside, it just looks and feels smoother. Scroll long documents, flick through code, move windows around, your eyes relax a bit.
The M5’s architecture makes that possible. Built on third-generation 3-nanometer tech, the 10-core CPU pushes faster app loading and snappier browsing (Investment News). The next-generation 10-core GPU adds hardware-accelerated ray tracing and mesh shading, which gives developers the tools for richer lighting and reflections (Investment News). In practice, window compositing looks cleaner, depth feels more believable, and juggling multiple Mac apps in space stops feeling like a party trick.
How we use the URSA Cine Immersive camera to create immersive 180° content on Apple Vision Pro (source)
We’re beyond honored to share that we’re in this month’s ICG Magazine (Local 600 - The International Cinematographers Guild)! From being long-time reader to now included in this special issue - it’s a dream come true. In the article, we share how we use the @Blackmagic_News URSA Cine Immersive camera to create immersive 180° content on Apple Vision Pro and beyond.
My son asked my to play Minecraft with him. I pulled out my #AppleVisionPro and he told me instantly that he understands what I‘m doing - I‘m now 40 years old so I „need bigger screens for seeing“ 🤣
How to Make Layered Fog on Apple Vision Pro (source)
Super excited to announce that Caradise 1.1, packed with new features, is now live on the Vision Pro App Store! 🌴🚗✨
AI Concierge: Customize any car using natural language. Want to see the Bugatti Atlantic in pink? Just ask, and watch it transform instantly. Built with the new Foundational Models AI api introduced by apple with VisionOS 26.
Custom Immersive Environments: Experience the cars in stunning settings that transport you across space and time. Each environment is designed to showcase automotive beauty at its best.
A free Ferrari 250 GT Lusso: This Pininfarina masterpiece is now included in the free starter pack collection. Because every collection deserves a touch of Italian elegance.
Enjoy, and please let me know what you think of the new features.
This is my first look at your newsletter — nicely done‼️